Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Reef Compatible: Yes

General Description: The Timor Wrasse comes from shallow coastal reefs of Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Like all wrasses in the genus Halichoeres, the Timor wrasse absolutely requires a moderately-sized to fine sandy substrate in order to be able to bury themselves at night for protection or if felt threatened during daylight. In fact, it is very common for your newly introduced wrasse to immediately bury themselves once released into the aquarium. The Timor wrasse has a pearly blue-green body with a pattern of vibrant orange dots and dashes. Very similar in appearance to the Adorned Orange Line Wrasse (Halichoeres cosmetus), except that the Adorned wrasse instead has solid orange stripes. A Timor wrasse may be sought after for not only their active and colorful presence in a reef aquarium, but for their incredible natural ability to control and eliminate nuisance red Planaria flatworms and pyramidellid snails that sometimes hitch hike on corals or live rock. This behavior is exhibited across most Halichoeres wrasses. Timor wrasses can reach a size of approximately 4-1/2″. Note: This species is infrequently available.

Diet Requirements: Timor wrasses are carnivores, actively hunting tiny crustaceans (e.g., copepods, featherdusters) throughout the day. A diet consisting of various meaty preparations such as brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and other mixed frozen foods that contain algae, such as spirulina, will maintain optimal health and coloration. We highly encourage soaking frozen foods in vitamin and fatty acid supplements, as these wrasses have very high metabolisms. Multiple, small feedings per day rather than one large feeding can also help and in turn create more of a natural environment for a Timor wrasse as it would feed in the wild. Timor wrasses may also accept high quality flake or pellet foods, which is great for nutritional gaps and variety.

Care Requirements: An established, minimum 90 gallon aquarium with a 3″ sandbed at the very least is needed for a Timor wrasse. A tight fitting lid is a must because these wrasses are known to jump out of aquariums. Timor wrasses enjoy a variety of rock work and crevices to swim through and around while they hunt. Such live rock arrangements can also help to make it feel secure and encourage more outgoing behavior. Given their peaceful nature, a Timor wrasse should not be kept with overly aggressive species, especially those that can outcompete it in food resources. It is best to add a Timor wrasse before larger or more active fish in order to allow it to acclimate to the environment. Timor wrasses are compatible with other peaceful wrasses, including different species in Halichoeres, though it is best to add them all at once for the best chance at success. Timor wrasses are observed in loose aggregations in the wild, but maintaining a group should only be attempted if the aquarium is exceptionally large enough to accomodate the space and resource requirements of all individuals. Recommended water conditions, 72-78° F, KH 8-12, pH 8.1-8.4, salinity 1.020-1.025.

Purchase Size: Small: 1-1/2” to 2”; Medium: 2” to 2-1/2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.